Merc - E220 CDi Estate Auto

[alan_374558052]

Being fairly new to the world of caravans, could anyone offer some advice regarding towing with an E220 CDi Auto. My caravan is the Coachman Amara 535/4 with an MPTLM of 1480kg. I am currently using a Jaguar S-Type 3.0 Auto but it is getting a bit long in the tooth and my brother has offered me his Merc as he is off to the USA.

Specific questions would be:

1. Despite a reduction in bhp (240 vs 167 of the Merc) the torque is much improved 300 vs 400nm for the Merc. How will this affect the towing?

2. Does the self-levelling rear suspension having any detrimental effect on towing?

Plus any other advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[anotherDavid]

I used to own a E220CDI saloon and at that model was only producing 125BHP. I found it excellant towing an Hymer Nova weighing nearly 1500KG which was over 90%.

I was getting 25MPG towing and felt quite happy with the power. I didnt have self leveling suspension but did have uprated springs fitted after the first outing. I would think yours will be just fine.

Dave

 

[RayS]

I tow a Burstner S500 with a Merc. 220 cdi saloon auto and it is fine so long as you take the trouble to get the caravan noseweight right. The Estate has a longer overhang than the saloon but slightly higher permitted noseweight so you should get a ratio of about 5.5% which is a little less than I would have suggested if you are new to the game but well within accepted limits.

Self levelling suspensions should help - don't have this on my car but it may be worth checking with MB to see if there is any reason not to use it when towing.

if the car is on standard 16" wheels and has a correctly specified towball then van should ride level to slightly nose down.

If the 'van has a jockey wheel fitted inside the A frame (rather than clamped to one side) then you need to check what clearance there is between road and jockey wheel when fully retracted. I have the centre mounted type with pneumatic tyre and frequently ground the jockey wheel on speed bumps etc. particularly the type where there is a flat portion between the two ramps. Can also be diffcult on some ferries if the ramps have steep angle e.g. at low tide.

I am gong to change the jockey wheel for one which clamps on the outside of the A frame so permitting the removal of the entire jockey wheel assembly when travelling to avoid this problem. A particularly low slung motor mover may also get a bit close to the ground at such places too.

The car tows well although slightly more influenced by side winds, HGVs etc than the previous one - ML270 4x4 weighing nearly half as much again. However fuel consumption except into stong head wind is better when towing and very much better when solo - gentle solo touring getting to around 50 mpg on an engine only 7000 miles old.

When you load the car, put anyting really heavy in front of the rear axle if you can - i.e. fold rear seats if possible. If it has conventional halogen headlights rather than Xenon you should be able to adjust from the dashboard which avoids annoying others.

Hope this is helpful.

 

[anotherDavid]

Sorry just noticed that you were considering an E22CDI.

Mine was C220 CDI which makes your even more suitable. I now have a E280 estate and although it has a little more power than the 220 the rest of the comments all apply. With the seats folded flat as suggested there is room to move house and it is a super towcar.

Dave

 

[alan_374558052]

Dave and Ray,

Very many thanks for your input. I suspected that all should be relatively okay, but it is always nice to hear it from those with valid experience.

Ray, when you talk of getting the nose weight right, am I correct in assuming that it is best to get to as close to the car limit as possible (84kg for the Merc Estate)thereby moving towards the 7% ideal for the caravan? My Jaguar is limited to 75kgs, so I presume that this increase should make the whole unit a little more stable.

Regards,

Alan

 

[RayS]

Dave and Ray,

Very many thanks for your input. I suspected that all should be relatively okay, but it is always nice to hear it from those with valid experience.

Ray, when you talk of getting the nose weight right, am I correct in assuming that it is best to get to as close to the car limit as possible (84kg for the Merc Estate)thereby moving towards the 7% ideal for the caravan? My Jaguar is limited to 75kgs, so I presume that this increase should make the whole unit a little more stable.

Regards,

Alan

Alan, you are quite right and the extra on the ball will only help stability. Depending on your van you will need to consider where the heavy stuff is. Some people overlook the water in toilet flush tanks (and waste container itself if on a long tripwith overnight stops) plus the water heater. Most of the noseweight gauges are not good to better than plus/minus a few kilograms anyway, so don't get too worried so long as you are in the right general area and err a bit towards heavy rather than light.